First, you can write. You have a talent for description.

There is a balance that must be achieved between description and action. This chapter is far too heavy on description and light on action. You need enough action to keep the reader turning pages to find out what happens next.

A prerequisite for an opening chapter (especially for a first time author) - it must grab the reader. You have one page to convince them to keep on reading. I will often read the first few paragraphs in a book to decide whether or not to buy it. I don't know that you are starting this novel in the right place. What if you started at the battle of the previous day where she is wounded and runs for her life. Then the story begins with compelling action, she's wounded, being chased, and readers are left wondering whether or not she will survive the night

Cliches, this chapter is riddled with them (cobwebs from her mind - twigs snapping in the woods - etc.). Cliches weaken your writing. Agents and publishers are looking for something fresh, and cliches are never fresh. Remove them and make your writing stronger. There is a good article on cliches in The Writer this month. It's a good read.

Also, after the first couple pages I'm sure where this book is going. Strong beautiful woman encounters handsone rogue. She is attracted but vows not to fall for him. Eventually she weakens. Outside forces break them apart but eventually they overcome all obstacles - yawn. The best stories aren't formulaic and don't reveal the end at the begining. For examples watch The Usual Suspects or Sixth Sense.

You obviously have the tools, now you have to put forth the effort to make your novel fresh and compelling. That's always the hard part.

Good Luck - Craven.